Bring in bucks on your own time with these often well-paid mini-jobs

Cash In

Cash In

Whether you're having a hard time finding a 9-to-5, need flexibility because you're caring for a child or parent, or just want to pick up a little money on the side, a microjob might be right for you. These short-term gigs fit into the time you have available, and are easy to find: Simply go online to one of many sites designed to pair people with projects, and apply for jobs, advertise your skills, or set up a profile and offer your services for tasks that employers have posted. Once you land and complete the job, some of the sites have secure payment options, which makes getting paid hassle-free. Keep clicking for reputable sites for any skill set, and find a job that is perfect for you.

If you have…No specialized skills but are game for anything

If you have…No specialized skills but are game for anything

PERFECT FOR People who are energetic and adaptable. You could organize a pantry one day and put together a crib the next. Sometimes the job is as simple as snapping a photo or picking up dry cleaning.

THE PAY Varies depending on length and complexity of task. A few recently advertised jobs ranged from $8 to $81 per task.

WHERE TO LOOK TaskRabbit.com, GigWalk.com. Don't rule out Craigslist, either: Becky Blanton, a freelance writer in Charlottesville, VA, once made $300 simply by talking into a digital recorder for a researcher who was developing voice recognition software.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW Employers like it when they learn a little about you, so personalize the profile you post on the site. If you're home with your kids, or determined to pay down student loans, say so. "Getting to know people and their motivations for being on the site really helps with landing a job," says TaskRabbit marketing director Jamie Viggiano.